Boulder – This game looked much tougher in the preseason.
That was when Oklahoma State was Oklahoma State, which in Boulder evokes memories of the Cowboys blowing out the Buffs 42-14 last season at Folsom Field.
But now, who knows?
The surprise of being an unknown commodity is perhaps this Oklahoma State team’s greatest strength. New coach Mike Gundy has brought a more wide-open system that bears little resemblance to the pound-it- down-your-throat philosophy employed last season by former head coach Les Miles, now at LSU.
Colorado coach Gary Barnett has studied the game film from the Cowboys’ first three games, with, he says, little to wrap his arms around.
Problem No. 1: The Cowboys (3-0) played Montana State, Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State, so it has been difficult to get a read on how good they are.
Problem No. 2: Oklahoma State’s offense appears to be diverse. Gundy is eager to test out his no-huddle attack on stiffer competition. The Cowboys also run plays out of just about any formation.
“They’re doing shotgun, they’re doing the option out of the shotgun, they’re lining up in the I (formation), they’re lining up with three tight ends, with four wide receivers,” Barnett said. “It’s not a team that you can really assess really well.”
And because of that, Colorado will be forced to improve on what it does and apply that to what it sees Saturday in the Big 12 opener for both teams in Stillwater.
But no matter what CU sees, the Buffs say the game is critical if they are to repeat as Big 12 North champions. Before the season, Barnett predicted the North teams that won the most games on the road and beat the most South Division teams would be in prime position to win the North.
A victory over Oklahoma State would accomplish both.
“It’s not like just the games against the North teams count,” Barnett said. “These all count. If you want to go and play in the Big 12 championship game, then this is probably one of those games that you have to win.”
Oklahoma State starts redshirt freshman Bobby Reid at quarterback; he won the starting job three weeks ago. His athletic skills are in the mold of Texas’ Vince Young, but he lacks experience. His youth is indicative of much of Gundy’s team.
How wet behind the ears are the Cowboys? Reid told this bye-week practice story to Oklahoma State reporters Tuesday.
“A couple of guys weren’t paying attention and said: ‘Coach, this is kind of boring,”‘ Reid said. “But the little things count in the end. And we’re trying to have a winning program here, so we just have to stay focused.”
Said Gundy: “I know that we’re a really young football team. I know that we need more guys on offense to make big plays. I know that Bobby Reid is a poised and confident quarterback.”
Footnotes
Quarterback Joel Klatt (sprained toe) practiced Tuesday and will play Saturday. … Guard Brian Daniels (broken rib, bruised kidney) has been cleared to play. CU will need his services right away, because guard Jack Tipton (sprained ankle) has been pronounced out for the game. … Freshman safety Ben Burney also is available this week after missing the past two weeks with mononucleosis.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
